Charleston Wine + Food Festival 2011

Your Don't Want To Miss This Event

I can't believe it's that time of year again.  I'm talking about the annual BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival.  This event has bveen praised as one of the top 5 food events in the United States.  This 4 day event combines home-grown flavor with the most celebrated chefs, culinary professionals and wine makers in the world.  

This is a wine and food event like no other, this festival provides guests the opportunity to meet and get a taste of some of the country’s best chefs, authors and wine professionals. Guests can educate their palates with Southern cuisine and the Lowcountry’s unique food styles, heritage and recipes at one of the 50+ events throughout the weekend. 

BTW, the Wine + Food Festival just captured the states top tourism prize this past Tuesday./  The festival was awarded the Governor's Cup for outstanding achievement in tourism.

There are still tickets let for many of the events and they an be purchased here. 

We hope to see you there!

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Monza, Charleston, SC

Mangiare felice ~ Happy Eating.

After tackling the entire Ravenel Bridge by foot earlier in the day I wanted a big lunch.  We chose Monza Pizza on upper King Street. 

I have to say that we’ve eaten there before.  It was a non-blog day and the lunch was terrific.  We learned that a pizza and a salad are large enough to split.  After our last outing there, lunch was also dinner…

Monza has a race car theme.  Pictures of older drivers dot the walls and some of the menu items are named for famous drivers. 

Counter Overlooking Oven

We sat at the counter overlooking the open cooking area. There is a very large prep area that’s somewhat hidden, but the majority of the items are made right in front of you. 

We started with Monza’s Chopped Salad.  In it was escarole, potatoes, tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, ricotta salata, onions and pepperoncini. This has to be about the freshest, crispest and flavorful salad that I’ve had in a very long time.  It was odd that the chef tossed everything by hand – no glove use here, but it was still awesome. The chef asked how the salad was and seemed genuine in trying to discern if we liked the salad, which we did.

Monza Chopped Salad

The pizza there is flat out terrific.  But first a little bit about their pizza process. The dough is made from imported San Felice wheat flour, natural Neapolitan yeast, filtered and pH balanced water it is then kneaded in a mixer imported from Naples.  Toss that into a 1000 degree wood fired oven and magic is made.

I don’t think they get enough credit for all of this.  It was only when I went to their website after lunch that I found this out. At sixteen my first job was at a pizzeria that also imported all its products from Italy.  There really is something to be said for doing things well, and Monza does just that. Now on to my lunch…

Fangio Pizza

We ordered the Fangio pizza.  This particular pizza, like others featured is named for Juan Miguel Fangio.  He was a race car driver that dominated the first decade of Formula One Racing.  Many consider him to be the greatest driver of all time – again, something that we knew nothing about when ordering the pizza.  We just thought the pizza’s had odd names.

The Fangio has fresh tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, house made sausage, jalapenos and onions. It was hot, crisp, light, and tasty.  I was full after one slice but pushed on to have another.  Wow!  That’s all I can say is wow!

Outdoor Patio

The group that owns Monza also owns Taco Boy, Closed for Business, and Poe’s.  All of which I’ve written about.  Although Taco Boy and Poe’s are consistently terrific, Monza may have surpassed them all.

The menu thanks Countess Logan Bentley Lessona.  I don’t know why she’s being thanked but she has been featured as a writer in Food and Wine Magazine and is the editor of “Made in Italy on Line”.  Whoever helped to bring this restaurant to life should be thanked; it’s by far the best pizza we’ve had in Charleston to date.  Mangiare felice ~ Happy Eating.

We gave Monza 5 out of a possible 5 plates!

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Fulton Five, Charleston, SC

High Five For Fulton Five

It’s funny… the very evening after dining at Fulton Five and learning that it has been voted the most romantic restaurant in Charleston 13 years in a row, we had dinner with a couple who got engaged there. They spoke of the table they sat at and how wonderful the waiter and food was that evening. Fifteen years after their engagement, the restaurant has not changed.

Antipasti Spoletto

Tucked away in the Historic District on Fulton Street is another one of Charleston’s hidden gems for dining, Fulton Five. It seats about 40+ people which includes seating at the bar, which was full. We were joined for dinner by our friends Dennis and Ginger owners of Carolina Coastal Properties (ccpsc.net). We were warmly greeted by the hostess and quickly seated at a banquette table.

Our waiter, David was personable, knowledgeable and a delight.  He reviewed the specials, took our drink order and was back in a flash.  The menu is interesting and inviting.  It was almost difficult to decide on what to order since there were so many enticing options.

Short Rib Ravioli

We started with the Insalata di Romaine (Romaine, croutons, cucumbers and a Parmesan Vinaigrette), the Antipasto Spoleto.  The Soleto is an interesting little number consisting of prosciutto and mozzarella wrapped in a romaine leaf and then grilled! Seasoned with a balsamic vinaigrette.

The appetizer special of the evening - a ravioli (stuffed with a delightful short rib filling with a veal au jus), was something that sounded too good to miss so we ordered that as well.

The appetizers did not disappoint.  The Spoleto was very tasty and a combination that was new to us.  Where else do you see grilled romaine leaves???

Pork Belly 

Dinner also proved to be outstanding.  The evening’s dinner special was a grilled pork belly nestled in a nice veal reduction and paired with colorful sweet potato hash.  This was one of our table’s selections and it was enjoyed to the fullest.

The Veal Osso Bucco cooked slowly in a veal stock was served over risotto with a small bone as a garnish.  Accompanying this was a tiny fork that could be used to get the flavorful marrow out of the bone –what a treat! 

The Filet d’Espresso (Chocolate Espresso Rubbed Filet served over Whipped Potatoes, Asparagus and a Balsamic-Veal Jus) was cooked perfectly.  Although the flavors of chocolate or espresso did not come through, it was still enjoyable.

Veal Osso Bucco

The evening’s entrée special was a local Grouper served over a lobster and shrimp risotto. The fish was so tender that it fell apart at the approach of a fork.  The risotto was perfect – hot and so flavorful.

The entire meal was wonderful. David continued to be a terrific addition to the meal.  Although he was busy with many tables, he and his assistant made sure that we did not want for anything during our stay.

With its intimate setting and cozy atmosphere it’s easy to see why it’s been crowned the “Most Romantic” restaurant in Charleston. But come for the food and the service, you will not be disappointed. 

We gave the Fulton Five, 5 out of a possible 5 plates.  Well done!

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Coleman Public House, Mt. Pleasant, SC

Not Worth The Wait....

The Coleman Public House was a visit that I was really looking forward to, and was very disappointed.

We arrived for lunch a few minutes before noon. The restaurant is rather small, but warm and inviting.

A friend had recommended the restaurant saying they serve “high end” pub food and many high quality craft and import beers. Had she not had said that we would never have known this, as this was not our experience.

We were seated in a dining area that abutted a small room that was hosting a networking group. There was one other table in the dining room and a couple at the bar.

Our server quickly greeted us and explained the day’s special. We read through the menu as we listened to the din of the networking group. We quickly placed our order.

We then waited, and waited, and waited for lunch. I understand that a small business would like to cater to a networking group, but on the days that it hosts it, the regular patrons should also be considered.

We waited 35 minutes for lunch. Bear in mind that other than the networking group of about 15, there were six customers in the restaurant.
I’m OK waiting for lunch, but when it arrives after all that time, it should be great.

The California burger (Monterey Jack cheese, apple wood smoked bacon, avocado, sprouts, tomato and creamy Dijon had great potential but it was served well done versus the medium temp that was requested.

My Southwestern salad (Field greens, chicken apple wood smoked bacon, blue cheese crumbles, egg, tomato, avocado and Dijon vinaigrette), was beyond bland. I asked for more dressing hoping it would help, but it didn’t. Although the greens were fresh and crisp the salad had ZERO flavor. I know that it may seem hard to believe, given the list of ingredients, but it’s true.

We tried to visit the Public House on a Friday evening and it was packed, so obviously it has a following - just not these two followers.

We gave the Coleman Public House 2 out of a possible 5 plates.

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Patat Spot Friet & Falafel, Charleston, SC

You Say Potato They Say Friet..

I was quick to find that this is a very long name for a very small restaurant. Located at 41B George Street in the midst of other college favorites lies Patat Spot Friet & Falafel.

The owner is of Dutch heritage but was born and raised right here in Charleston and the restaurant is dubbed a “European Snack Bar”.  We were curious and decided to give it a try.

The restaurant is painted a bright yellow and adorned with Parisian landmarks. We found it to be both warm and welcoming.

The service style is a walk up ordering system.  You can get a regular or half pita filled with a cilantro, mint and bean combo or a large one.  We both opted for the half pita.

The service and staff were very friendly, knowledgeable, and our lunch was served quickly. The odd thing is that the falafel a cilantro-mint-bean-chick pea combo is served within the pita and looks like a small hockey puck.  My husband liked it, but it really didn’t blow my dress up.  The good thing is that they offer a salad bar type of toppings that you can add to your pita.

Order At The Counter

We were told that many of the items on the topping bar were from the “pickle lady” at the market. They were all fresh and very inviting. We were quick to stuff our pita with these unique toppings. 

The disappointment, unfortunately, were the French fries or Friets as they call them.  Billed as potatoes imported from Belgium and “twice fried” for crispness, ours did not fit the bill. They were not served in the unique cone that we saw, but rather placed in one of our plates with the half pita, lukewarm and mushy - very disappointing. And they were $6.25, which think is a bit steep for friets.

1/2 Falafel & Lg Friets

I can say that we really liked the “toppings bar” and its freshness.  We also enjoyed the choice of 15 dipping sauces that come with the friets.  The spicy sriracia and Indonesian ketchup were a treat!!

I can’t say that I would return, but only because falafels aren’t something that I personally like, but I would encourage others to give it a try and hope that the restaurant does well. 

Toppings Bar

We gave Patat Spot 3 out of a possible 5 plates.

Patat Spot On YouTube

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Mosaic Café and Catering, Mt. Pleasant, SC

Not A Great Meal But A Great Recovery

In the Iron Gate Plaza on Hungryneck Boulevard is tucked a small, charming restaurant named Mosaic Café and Catering. Recently a friend of ours said it was her favorite place to take her daughter for lunch.  She hasn’t steered us wrong yet, so we decided to give it a try.

The restaurant whose vision is to “effectively nourish the body and soul while preserving the highest level of quality and value” is warm and inviting.  Our server, Lauren (who we also found out was one of the managers), was very knowledgeable and helpful. 

Inside Mosaic

The day we had lunch there was the first day for their February “monthly specials” menu. Lauren reviewed the menu with us and I decided to order the BBQ-ranch chicken sandwich which was advertised as a pan fried chicken breast tossed in balsamic BBQ sauce, topped with pepper jack cheese and cranberry cole slaw, on a Kaiser bun. My husband ordered a cup of white bean turkey chili and a Charleston chicken roller which was a wrap with grilled chicken, bacon, smoked Gouda pimento cheese, spinach, tomatoes and basil mustard. (This sandwich is rated as a Mosaic favorite on the menu.)

The menu itself is interesting. It offers a wide selection of salads, sandwiches, pasta and has an entire “fit” section where all of the menu items are 450 or less. It was difficult to chose.

BBQ Ranch Chicken Special

The restaurant got busy but when we ordered it wasn’t and our lunch was served very quickly.  We found the white bean chili to be very bland, but the Charleston roller was great. I again, had unfortunately ordered the wrong dish.  The sandwich was as described and the cole slaw was an interesting “purple” (literally), but the sandwich was so overpowered by the taste of vinegar that it was barely edible.  The pasta salad that I ordered as a side was al dente and then some, bland and tasted gritty.  I had thought that by ordering one of the specials, especially on the first day would have be a win, but it wasn’t. 

Lauren did everything she could to apologize. I usually temper my feedback if something is not great, but this time I found myself saying it was “simply awful”.  She also offered to get me anything that I wanted on the menu, but we were on a time schedule and had to run.

Turkey Chili &
 Charleston Roller

A few minutes later another manager came to the table. She explained that the cole slaw and the BBQ sauce both had balsamic vinegar (no kidding), so that must be what I was tasting.  I mentioned that I liked the vinegar, but it was just too much.

She really did a nice job apologizing, offering me a different lunch option – anything that I would have liked.  But THEN she did something that was really unnecessary, and to me, somewhat over the top. She comp’d my sandwich AND she gave us a gift card to come back. Often times when a meal is bad the manager will comp an item but I’ve never had a manager give us a gift card to insure we came back and gave them another try.  What a great recovery!

We will try Mosaic again. They really want you to have a great dining experience and it shows. I am certain next visit will be the charm. 

We gave Mosaic 2 out of a possible 5 plates.

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